Launching the first version of "Gemathon Legacy" With broad student participation

ABU DHABI, 10TH JANUARY / WAM / The “Heritage Gamethon” initiative, organized by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority in cooperation with Abu Dhabi Games and Electronic Sports, was launched yesterday, Friday, with the aim of developing electronic games inspired by Emirati heritage, and will continue until January 11th in the Authority’s activities building in Abu Dhabi.

The first day of the initiative witnessed the registration of participating students and their division into work groups, marking the launch of the competition and the beginning of the stages of development and creativity, as the contestants take on a creative challenge that extends for three days, during which they devote their skills to developing electronic games inspired by the Emirati cultural heritage, combining authenticity and innovation, and addressing the interests of the digital generation in a modern language.

His Excellency Abdullah Butti Al Qubaisi, Executive Director of the Heritage Awareness and Knowledge Sector at the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, stressed during his speech at the initiative’s launch ceremony that the “Gemathon Heritage” represents an inspiring event that celebrates the history of the UAE and its authentic traditions, and re-presents them in a contemporary form that keeps pace with the aspirations of the digital age.

He explained that the Emirati heritage that has been passed down through generations forms the fabric of national identity, noting that technical development opens new horizons for presenting this heritage to the world in innovative and exciting ways, through interactive experiences and storytelling directed specifically to the new generation.

He pointed out that the vision of the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority goes beyond traditional concepts of preservation and documentation, to consolidate the position of national heritage in the global conscience, by developing an integrated system for digitizing heritage, which contributes to building a knowledge bridge that links the nobility of the past with the latest technologies of the future.

His Excellency added that “Gemathon Heritage” embodies a practical translation of the themes of Abu Dhabi’s strategy for identity and culture, and confirms the authority’s commitment to transferring the legacy of fathers and grandfathers to future generations and the world in a modern language that preserves constants and keeps pace with changes.

He explained that the event witnesses the participation of more than 200 students working on producing original electronic games over three days, which reflects their creative abilities and confirms that modern technology is an effective tool to ensure the sustainability and prosperity of heritage for decades to come.

Al Qubaisi sent a message to the youth, stressing that heritage is a trust and a shared responsibility that requires awareness, innovation, and commitment to preserving it and presenting it to the world in a contemporary spirit that respects its roots and highlights its values. He expressed his aspiration to see the projects and innovations that the participants will present, and their ability to formulate their own vision of Emirati heritage through the world of electronic games.

For his part, His Excellency Saeed Ali Al Fazari, Executive Director of the Strategic Affairs Sector at the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi, stressed that the “Gymathon Heritage” is a pioneering platform for celebrating the culture and heritage of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, by employing the power and influence of the electronic gaming sector to present the national identity in creative and innovative ways that address the local and global audience.

He explained that electronic games represent an effective means of cultural dialogue, providing new horizons for preserving heritage and traditions, and transmitting Emirati values ​​to new generations and the world, stressing that the history of the Emirates and its cultural heritage constitute a source of pride and a basic pillar of human communication.

He pointed out that the cooperation between Abu Dhabi Games and Electronic Sports and the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority reflects a strategic direction to integrate the electronic gaming sector into the government’s plans, and confirms the growing confidence in its role in supporting the digital economy, and consolidating Abu Dhabi’s position as a global center for talent development in this sector, which combines innovation and the depth of heritage.

He added that “Gemathon Heritage” supports the vision of the Year of the Family by strengthening family ties and building bridges of communication between generations, through innovative projects that contribute to highlighting the Emirati cultural heritage in a modern interactive manner, ensuring its sustainability for the coming years.

• For more: Follow Khaleejion 24 Arabic, Khaleejion 24 English, Khaleejion 24 Live, and for social media follow us on Facebook and Related